Becoming an airline pilot requires a significant amount of training and education, but the perks and payoffs are exceptional. While the job does require some long travel runs away from home, and there are nights, holidays and weekends to be worked, most would argue there are more pros than cons in this professional line of work. Pilots need, at minimum, a high school diploma, as well as a Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) commercial pilot’s license and FFA certification as an Airline Transport Pilot.

Pay Scale

Being an airline pilot can lead to a lucrative paycheck. While the average median salary for airline and commercial pilots in 2017 was close to $112,000, the more experienced and versatile a pilot is, the higher the potential earnings. In addition to work as a commercial pilot, some pilots take on charters or private plane services, which can boost earnings even higher. Some pilots also find side jobs working as flight instructors.

Benefits

Most pilots, particularly those working for commercial airlines, receive a healthy set of benefits including health, life, vision and dental insurance, as well as a retirement plan. They also get paid vacation time, which increases incrementally based on years of service. Considering pilots often have a lot of downtime between flights - sometimes as much as two weeks of every month - that translates to a lot of free time for pursuing leisure activities or other business aspirations.

Travel Opportunities

Pilots, by the very nature of their occupation, have the opportunity to travel the world. While much time is spent in airports, or sleeping to prepare for the next leg of a journey, a lot of opportunity abounds to see and learn about other lands and cultures. Additionally, pilots and their family members enjoy free travel perks, which means that they have the opportunity to travel for pleasure as well as for business. Many commercial pilots, in fact, get free or reduced travel, even after retirement.

A Unique Line of Work

Many pilots go into the profession for the sense of power and freedom it provides them. Very few other professions provide an opportunity to see the world from the sky, and as such, the role holds great appeal to those who have a sense of adventure, who enjoy seeing new places and experiencing new things, and continually meeting new people. Pilots are required to retire by age 65, which leaves ample time for pursuing a second career or enjoying retirement.

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About the Author

Lisa McQuerrey has been an award-winning writer and author for more than 25 years. She specializes in business, finance, workplace/career and education. Publications she’s written for include Southwest Exchange and InBusiness Las Vegas.